He also stated that the legislative branch is not only authorised to pass laws, but also to check the powers of the executive branch, something he said he had not seen the legislative body attempt to do during the five weeks he was a member.

“What I saw instead was collusion with the executive branch,” said Al-Aqqad, pointing to the approval of the emergency law implemented by the president during his interview with the Al-Hayat TV channel.

Al-Aqqad was one of 90 members appointed to the Shura Council by President Mohamed Morsi in December and one of 10 council members representing Egypt’s churches.